Black-Owned Businesses to Support (and Shop!)

Celebrate Black History Month by supporting these incredible companies.

While racial injustice is a topic that should always be top of mind, it's become even more prevalent in recent years making Black History Month more important than ever. And one way to show your support this February in a meaningful way is to put your dollars where they really count. Yes, shopping at black-owned businesses is just one way to celebrate. So here are five amazing black-owned brands that you should check out.

OUI The People

OUI The People started with an intelligently custom-designed razor, THE SINGLE—rather than a men’s razor dressed in pink—which was the start of founder Karen Young’s answer to an outdated industry assumption that women can't use real tools. They’ve since expanded into the body care category with groundbreaking and cleverly-named products focusing on ingredients (not labels) that nourish you and your body, instead of making consumers feel less than in a beauty industry that overuses marketing terms like ageless and flawless.

Photo courtesy of OUI The People.

Coco and Breezy

In 2009 twin sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson decided to tackle the eyewear industry by creating Coco and Breezy when they were just 19 years old. They were an instant success. Their unique designs were featured in major fashion magazines like Vogue and on the faces of stars like Prince. They’ve even gone on to do collaborations with Hershey's, Ciroc, and more. Now, the collection covers every eyewear need from sunglasses to optical and even children’s frames.

Photo courtesy of Coco and Breezy.

Lemlem

Lemlem means to bloom and flourish in the Ethiopian language of Amharic, and that was the goal for founder and Ethiopia-born model Liya Kebede. She saw local artisans were losing jobs and wanted to preserve their ancient craft and livelihood. So she created the brand in 2007 with resort wear and has since grown to include swimsuits, accessories and home goods. January Jones and Molly Sims are notable fans.

Photo courtesy of Lemlem.

rayo & honey

Creator Roachele Negron’s love of words and literature spawned home decor brand rayo & honey in 2015. Her signature items are handcrafted pennants with inspirational phrases like "You Are Magic" and "Young Gifted & Black." Now she sells everything from keychains and bookmarks to tote bags Oprah loves, all with affirming quotes. Negron considers these wearable and hangable works of art filled with soul and positivity. 

Photo courtesy of rayo & honey.

Amor by KL Swimwear

Self-taught designer Kelisha Lopez-Shealey created the Atlanta-based brand with a vision in mind to craft swimwear for women who take risks. This viewpoint was informed by the former model’s extensive fashion industry knowledge. The collection includes lingerie-inspired pieces that are sure to stand out on the beach or by the pool. The goal? “I never want my swimwear to be looked at as ‘normal,’ “said Lopez-Shealey. “I want the women that wear my swimsuits to feel sexy, edgy and confident, and to always make a statement."

Photo courtesy of Amor by KL Swimwear.